Terror Threat: Greeks May Deploy Military During 2004 Olympics

Athens, Greece (CNSNews.com) - The Greek government is considering deploying the military to deal with the threat of terrorism during the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terror attacks on the United States.

The attacks on the U.S. have created a totally new security environment and raised the fear of terrorists using chemical and biological weapons, Greek officials said.

The Public Order Ministry has set up security committees including specialists from the armed forces, the National Intelligence Service, the police, coastguard and fire services.

"The sudden emergence of large-scale terrorism in the U.S.A. has unquestionably shaken Greece and the rest of the world," Public Order Minister Mikhail Khrisokhoidhis said in a statement to this correspondent.

"The attacks underscore the pivotal importance of safety measures for the 2004 Olympic Games," he said. "So, Greece will spend about $650 million on security measures and will deploy some 50,000 police and military during the Games. The soldiers will be trained to operate as police officers."

Other government sources say that the army commando units will have an enhanced role during the Olympics.

They will be trained according to the standard of the American, British and Israeli security forces, sources said. The troops will provide both underwater and helicopter-borne air cover to Olympic events and likely targets.